NCAA: Jimboy Pasturan’s return adds depth to Blazers rotation

St. Benilde’s Jimboy Pasturan returns to action. –NCAA/GMA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The College of St. Benilde saw the return of one of their lead guards after a crucial injury in 2019.

Jimboy Pasturan came back to the Blazers’ rotation after suffering a dislocated shoulder injury en route to their first win in the NCAA Season 98 men’s basketball tournament.

“I’m happy but it’s challenging for him also because he’s in the same position as JC (Cullar), Robi (Nayve) and Oczon (Migs),” CSB head coach Charles Tiu said after the 86-69 win over Lyceum Pirates.

“He gives us a lot of depth and he can really shoot. We will have another guy apart from Robi that can make the big shot and I can trust,” he added.

The 5-foot-9 guard was ruled out of the Blazers’ lineup in 2019, then he also sat out Season 97.

Pasturan played 20 minutes and finished with eight points, sinking two triples in his return for St. Benilde.

“I’m really thankful that we increased our depth with Jimboy. Coach Charles always emphasizes that our depth really improved with the new 18-man rule, almost anyone can play,”  said Robi Nayve, who finished with 18 points.

Before the emergence of Nayve and Will Gozum last season, Pasturan played leader for Benilde with 12 points and 3.2 rebounds through six games in Season 95.

With Nayve and Gozum’s improvement along with the acquisition of former NU Bulldog Migs Oczon, the Blazers will be one of the deepest teams of Season 98.

“Coach Charles is confident that us vets can produce, whoever he decides to field,” Nayve stated.